E. Wayne Cooley Obituary

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The longtime head of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has died at age 90.

The organization announced that E. Wayne Cooley died Saturday.

Cooley became executive secretary of the athletic union in 1954. Over the next 48 years, he led an expansion of interscholastic activities from the single sport of basketball to include track and field, cross country, softball, golf, swimming, tennis, volleyball and soccer.

Much of the expansion came before federal Title IX rules were implemented, expanding opportunities for female athletes.

Cooley was born Sept. 16, 1922, in Mercer, Mo. He married Gertrude "Gerry" Konkol in 1944 and they had two children. After his wife's death, he married Wendy Wykoff in 1987.

He graduated from Buena Vista University and was a naval officer during World War II.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The longtime head of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has died at age 90.

The organization announced that E. Wayne Cooley died Saturday.

Cooley became executive secretary of the athletic union in 1954. Over the next 48 years, he led an expansion of interscholastic activities from the single sport of basketball to include track and field, cross country, softball, golf, swimming, tennis, volleyball and soccer.

Much of the expansion came before federal Title IX rules were implemented, expanding opportunities for female athletes.

Cooley was born Sept. 16, 1922, in Mercer, Mo. He married Gertrude "Gerry" Konkol in 1944 and they had two children. After his wife's death, he married Wendy Wykoff in 1987.

He graduated from Buena Vista University and was a naval officer during World War II.

Guest Book Highlights

"Mr. Cooley seemed like a person who has lived his life to the fullest. Now he's asleep hoping to hear the words Lazarus heard when Jesus resurrected him saying "Lazarus come out" meaning from the grave. So for now rest in peace." (NY)

"May the God of all comfort be a healing and soothing spot in your hearts." (FL)

"May you find comfort in the God of refuge during this time. Psalm 46:1"

"Please accept my deepest condolences during this time. May the God of comfort be with you. Romans 15:33." (AR)